[88] Joe's assertion that "he made his first appearance at Drury Lane, where he continued twenty-four years," is very questionable; he, in fact, said the contrary in his farewell address at Sadler's Wells, at which theatre it is positive he appeared at Easter, 1781. Sheridan's "Robinson Crusoe" was produced in January of that year, and twenty-four years would carry the time on to January, 1805, but his last performance at Drury Lane was on November 9th in that year, and admitting the generally received belief of his _début_ "in Robinson Crusoe," his continuing at Drury Lane would have been twenty-five years, not twenty-four. [89] To his old associate, Norman, the Pantaloon, Grimaldi, in a letter dated April 23, 1829, writes,--"I suppose you know I have taken my farewell of the public, both at the Wells and, lastly, at Drury Lane, they having refused me at Covent Garden--so much for my long and faithful services. Oh! my poor old master, Mr. Harris; God bless him! had he been still in possession, I should not have asked such a favour a second time. I am now quite a retired gentleman, having only the Wells to look after, and that is of so trifling a nature, it does not put me the least out of my way." CHAPTER XXV. 1828 to 1836. The farewell benefit at Drury Lane--Grimaldi's last appearance and parting address--The Drury Lane Theatrical Fund, and its prompt reply to his communication--Miserable career and death of his son--His wife dies, and he returns from Woolwich (whither he had previously removed) to London--His retirement. The three gentlemen who were mentioned in conjunction with Miss Kelly, in the course of the last chapter, exerted themselves with so much energy, that Grimaldi's benefit far exceeded his most sanguine expectations. In addition to the most effective company of the theatre, were secured the services of Miss Kelly, and Madam Fearon;[90] Miss Fanny Ayton, Miss Love,[91] Mathews, Keeley, and Bartley, besides an immense number of pantomime performers, who crowded to offer their aid, and among whom were--Barnes, Southby, Ridgway and his two sons, and young Grimaldi. Mr. James Wallack arranged everything, and exerted himself as much as he could have done if the night had been his own. The announced bill ran thus:-- Mr. GRIMALDI'S FAREWELL BENEFIT. _On Friday, June 27th, 1828_, will be performed, J O N A T H A N I N E N G L A N D; after which A M U S I C A L M E L A N G E. To be succeeded by T H E A D O P T E D C H I L D, and concluded with H A R L E Q U I N H O A X, In which Mr. Grimaldi will act clown in one scene, sing a song, and speak his FAREWELL ADDRESS. [Illustration: George Cruikshank _The last Song._]